Daily WHUFC News - 9th May 2013

Reid crowned Hammer of the Year
WHUFC.com
Central defender Winston Reid has been named as the 2013/14 Hammer of the
Year
08.05.2013

Winston Reid has been crowned 2012/13 Hammer of the Year sponsored by Alpari
(UK). The defender rounded off an outstanding campaign by collecting the
prestigious award, as voted for by West Ham United supporters. Reid
collected his prize from Alpari (UK) Chief Commercial Officer Mushegh
Tovmasyan and Chief Marketing Officer Dave Hodge at the Club's fifth annual
Player Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The
24-year-old Reid polled a convincing 45 per cent of the vote to fend off
strong competition from second placed Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mohamed Diame
in third. "I think every single player tries to do their best for the team
and I do the same," said Reid. "As an individual it's nice to pick up this
award. "It is quite an accolade to be named Hammer of the Year. Like I said
on stage, I have basically been here nearly three years at the Club and I
feel at home, so it's nice to feel appreciated. Other players have done
well, too, so it's been really good. "I think every single player believes
in themselves and believes they can do well, but you obviously have to have
a bit of luck and fortune now and then throughout the season, but when you
work hard you get the things you deserve - I'm not saying that in a selfish
way because there are a lot of other players who have done well this season.
"I am really pleased with the season that I have had and I'm looking forward
to my holiday and then I'm looking forward to the new season!"

Central defender Reid has been a model of consistency in the heart of the
Hammers' defence this term, starting 34 of the Club's 36 Barclays Premier
League fixtures to date and notching in the 3-0 Boleyn Ground victory over
Fulham in September. As part of the back four for ten of the Hammers' eleven
clean sheets this season, Reid has played a central role to helping Sam
Allardyce's men not only establish themselves back in the top flight, but
push for a top half finish.
Resolute displays against the likes of Manchester City, who left E13 without
being able to score, and Chelsea, who were defeated 3-1 at the Boleyn
Ground, characterised their strong start to the season, while an equally
impressive finish, which has seen West Ham lose just one of their last seven
fixtures, means the Hammers can look back on 2012/13 as one of considerable
progress. That applies to Reid too, who is now in his third season with the
Club, but started only three league fixtures in their last Premier League
campaign. With 34 starts under his belt this time, there can be no doubting
that Reid has earned the right to be crowned Hammer of the Year.

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Bonzo honoured at Awards Night
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE has received the Club's first
Lifetime Achievement Award
08.05.2013

West Ham United have had many great players down the years, but only a few
can be considered as true Hammers legends. One man who is definitely in that
category is the one and only Billy Bonds MBE. At the 2012/13 Player Awards,
Bonds was honoured with the Club's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award,
sponsored by Locke Lord. Here, Bonds speaks at length with Evening Standard
correspondent Ken Dyer about his glittering career in claret and blue. In an
era where some players seek a loyalty bonus if they see out their three-year
contract, no-one deserves West Ham's first Lifetime Achievement Award more
than William Arthur Bonds MBE. 'Bonzo', as he is affectionately known, spent
most of his working life at the club, first as a player between 1967-88 and
then coach and manager from 1988-94. During a playing career spanning more
than two decades, Bonzo made 793 senior appearances for the Hammers, ran a
million miles, launched himself into a zillion tackles - and had a few
fights. He played the game as he lives his life - straight down the line, no
messing, honest and trustworthy. If you happened to be in the Blackwall
Tunnel at just after 5pm on a Saturday afternoon between the mid-1960s and
the end of the 1980s you might have caught a glimpse of Bill, hair still wet
from a quick shower, driving back home after a game to his first love - his
family. They are with him tonight, his wife Marilyn plus daughters Claire
and Katie. We Hammers fans were lucky to have Bill at our club for what is
certainly, in football terms, 'a lifetime.' He played under four managers
during a 24-year playing career. "I played under two managers at Charlton,
Frank Hill and Bob Stokoe. At West Ham, I was lucky because I had two great
coaches - Ron Greenwood and John Lyall. I have them to thank for making
every day such a pleasure. "They both taught me so much. They improved
players on the training ground and that was a real skill. "They planted
little ideas in your head. Ron, for example, used to say 'Your eyes are like
a camera, always look around and get pictures in your head so that when that
ball arrives, you know where everyone is.' It's commonplace now, I suppose
but back then it was ground-breaking stuff. "One day he said to me 'If the
space isn't in front, it must be behind.' I hadn't thought about it before
but he was right - if the opposition were playing a high line I could play
the ball into the space behind them. "Ron also talked about being sideways
on, always being on the half-turn, either as a midfield player receiving the
ball or as a defender marking. "I wouldn't have achieved what I did without
the other players either. I thank them all because, in their own way, they
all played their part."

At 66, Bill still looks as though he could jog the London Marathon and then
do five hundred sit-ups. His fitness, commitment and energy are legendary,
as they needed to be for someone who was still playing at the top level past
his 41st birthday. "I spent most of my working life at West Ham," he says,
"and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I enjoyed every minute of it and would
love to do it all again. "This is a lovely award and a nice honour. I've
never been one for too much pomp or anything like that but I really
appreciate what the club have done tonight."

So what are the highlights of his playing career, his cherished memories?
Bill's answer is typical. "There's so many. Every day was special to me. I
was in a job that most people would have loved to have been doing. "I played
until I was 41 but, if I had been a Sunday morning footballer, I would have
probably gone on until I was 50, I loved the game so much. "Obviously FA Cup
finals still stick in the memory, as do the four League Cup ties with Stoke
in the early 1970s. We also had some great European nights at Upton Park. "I
made my league debut for Charlton in 1965 and played my last game for West
Ham in 1988 so I had a good run for my money."

Happy days then - but there must have been disappointments too? "There
aren't that many really. When we were relegated in 1978 was one and another
was when John Lyall left the club". There have inevitably been one or two
anxieties and dramas along the way. "Before the 1975 FA Cup final against
Fulham, I was only about 70 per cent fit. I was having cortisone injections
for a groin problem and as soon as the season finished I went straight into
hospital for an operation. "I honestly thought I might not play again. We
were even beginning to talk about what we would do if I had to pack up so
I'm thankful to the surgeon because he gave me another 13 years. "I had
another worry just before the 1980 final when, in a game against Birmingham,
me and Colin Todd had a bit of a set-to. We were both sent off and I
remember I was sitting in the bath when someone came in and told me that I
could miss the final. "'What have I done?' I thought. I don't know what I
would have done if I had missed that final - it would have slaughtered me.
"Luckily for me Ron Greenwood, who was by then England manager, put in a
good word for me, they allowed me to play in the final and we beat Arsenal."

So many more memories come flooding out. "I've played against many other
great players in those 800 games. With Liverpool, for example, I've been up
against three generations of strikers - Ian St John and Roger Hunt in the
'60s, Kevin Keegan and John Toshack in the '70s followed by Kenny Dalglish
and Ian Rush in the '80s. "George Best was one of the best. They tell me
there's a video of me trying to tackle him in one game. I've tried to tackle
him once but he's hurdled me. Then I get back to him and have another try
but he gets away again. I think I have two more tries but he just keeps
going! "I played full-back, midfield and centre half but I loved playing in
midfield. It suited my game. I could get amongst everything. "Someone
recently asked me what it was like being a holding midfield player but I
never played in that position. Neither Ron nor John ever asked me to sit in
front of the back four. "If I wanted to run beyond Trevor Brooking - I
would. I finished with 13 goals one season." Bill stayed at the club when he
eventually retired, first as a coach and then, from 1990-94, as manager. "I
enjoyed my early time as a West Ham manager," he says. "We went 25 games
unbeaten early on - still a club record I believe. I remember Terry Venables
ringing me and asking me how I was enjoying it. 'It's OK,' I said. "'Come on
Bill,' Terry said. 'It doesn't get any better than that.' "He was right, it
didn't. No long after that the club launched the ill-famed Bond scheme and
that was the worst year of my life. "Not only were things difficult because
of that but I lost my dad and my father-in-law. It was a bad year."

Fast forward to the present day and Bonds understands the reasons for the
Club's move to the Olympic Stadium. "I have spoken with David Gold and he
has explained to me why they need to move. I'll be sad like all old-timers
but it's a nostalgia thing because all my fond memories are connected with
Upton Park - Brooking taking Eintracht Frankfurt apart in the European Cup
Winners' Cup, Bobby Moore nicking the ball off an opponent, Geoff Hurst
taking a ball on his chest, Martin Peters - all great players."

Add Bonzo to that list.

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Awards Dinner as it happened
WHUFC.com
All the winners and reaction from West Ham United's 2012/13 Awards Dinner in
aid of the Academy
08.05.2013

West Ham United 2012/13 Awards Dinner in aid of the Academy

11.00pm - That's it for tonight. Thanks for sharing a fantastic evening
with us.
10.50pm - Now the Hammer of the Year sponsored by Alpari (UK) will be
announced.
It's Winston Reid! The defender has beaten off competition from Jussi
Jaaskelainen in second and third placed Mohamed Diame to land the
prestigious award.
10.45pm - It's time for a very special award...Billy Bonds is the recipient
of the Club's first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more about it
here.
10.35pm - Auctioneer Jonny Gould is back on stage inviting bids for our
fantastic lots, and we'll be back shortly with the big one...Hammer of the
Year.
10.30pm - Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have picked Andy
Carroll as their Player of the Year, and the big Geordie is now on stage to
take the prize from S.14 (2012) Limited Director Michael Pryke.
The England striker, who joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from
Liverpool last August, is currently the Club's joint top scorer with Kevin
Nolan despite missing a large chunk of the campaign with injury.
Since returning to the fold in January, Carroll has been in sparkling form
with six goals from his last eleven games.
With an important winner against Swansea City and crucial double against
West Bromwich Albion amongst those strikes, his value to the Hammers is
unquestioned.
10.25pm - Higgins Group Chairman Richard Higgins now presents Mohamed Diame
with his third award of the night after the Senegal international was chosen
by supporters as the Signing of the Season.
Diame, a summer 2012 arrival from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer, took
42% of the vote to knock Andy Carroll into second. Goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen is third.
The 25-year-old's drive from midfield has been a real feature of the
Hammers' play this season, and he has supplemented his 32 league appearances
with three goals - a stunning effort against Manchester United which won the
Goal of the Season prize, along with spectacular strikes against Arsenal and
Chelsea.
Diame's arrival added to a squad fresh from their triumph in the
Championship Play-Offs last term and he has certainly played a key role in
the Hammers' successful return to top flight football.
10.20pm - The West Ham United first team squad have chosen defender Winston
Reid as their Players' Player of the Year, and he collects his trophy from
Ark Build Plc Managing Director Michael Finlay.
New Zealander Reid, who took over the captaincy of his national side this
season, has shone in the heart of the Hammers' backline this season, only
missing two Barclays Premier League fixtures through injury.
The 24-year-old's performances have been marked by their consistency - a
fact recognised by his fellow players.
We've got some reaction to the prize from Winston's teammates.
Matt Jarvis: "He's been exceptional all season, a real rock at the back for
us. He puts himself about on the pitch, diving around in front of all sorts
to stop the ball going in the back of the net.
"He's a leader, pulling us all back into shape and making sure that
everyone's doing their jobs. He leads by example."
Joe Cole: "He's solid, a proper centre half and I've been very impressed
with him since he's come back. He's had a great season and deserves the
award."
James Collins: "He's been bang on in every game, made very few, if any,
mistakes and is a great lad to have around as well.10.18pm First of all we
have the Best Team Performance sponsored by Call Print.
10.20pm - The resounding winner of the fan vote for the Best Team
Performance is the Hammers' memorable victory over European champions
Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground.
The three goalscorers from the night - Carlton Cole, Mohamed Diame and
Modibo Maiga - plus captain Kevin Nolan take to the stage to collect the
award from Call Print Managing Director Steve Cheek.
Sam Allardyce's men roared back from a goal down to claim all three points
in a storming second half against the Blues. Trailing to Juan Mata's early
opener, West Ham were not overawed by the size of their task and left the
west Londoners stunned.
Carlton Cole levelled on 63 minutes, getting up above Branislav Ivanovic to
nod Matt Jarvis' cross home, and Mohamed Diame made it 2-1 four minutes from
time with a fierce strike.
Modibo Maiga wrapped it up at the death, and it was this game that shone for
the supporters, with 65% picking it as their standout performance. The 2-2
draw with Manchester United was second, while the early-season 3-0 win over
Fulham was third.
10.16pm - On to the second half of our awards for this evening and we are
about to discover who the supporters have picked as the winner of Best
Individual Performance - sponsored by Mulalley & Co Limited

Mohamed Diame collects his second trophy of the evening thanks to his
match-changing performance in the 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory over
Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground in December.
Diame, who won 49 per cent of the vote for his outstanding show against the
Blues, receives his award from Mulalley & Co Limited Director Eamon
O'Malley.
James Collins finished in second place with 18 per cent of the vote for his
two-goal show in the 2-2 FA Cup with Budweiser third-round draw with
Manchester United in January, while goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen came third
with 17.8 per cent for his virtuoso display against Tottenham Hotspur in
February.
10.15pm - We're back with the next set of awards...
9.15pm - We've just caught up with Elliot Lee after he picked up the Academy
Player of the Season award.
He told us: "Brilliant, I'm delighted. I couldn't be any happier. It has
just capped off a great season and to get this at the end of the campaign is
brilliant. I love scoring goals!"

Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan receive their Top Goalscorer award sponsored by
England Environmental Services and Southern Asbestos Services
9.00pm - That concludes the first set of awards, and the guests are now
bidding for some fantastic auction prizes before they tuck into their
deserts. We'll be back shortly with the next batch of awards. Remember we
still have to crown this season's Hammer of the Year!
8.55pm - We are onto award number five and the winner, or rather winners,
can again be safely predicted!
Captain Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll have been vying for the Top Goalscorer
award, sponsored by England Environmental Services and Southern Asbestos
Services, for much of the season.
The close friends have each netted seven goals, all in the Barclays Premier
League, and are level pegging with two fixtures still to be played.
The pair, who both scored in the Mitchell Cole Benefit Match at Stevenage FC
on Tuesday evening, join Directors John England and Peter Drayton on stage
to collect their awards.
8.53pm - Tonight's fourth award is unquestionably the most predictable of
the evening - Save of the Season, sponsored by Thomas Fredrick Willetts
Foundation.
Jussi Jaaskelainen is the sole nominee, with five of the flying Finn's top
stops being nominated for the award, which will be presented by Thomas
Fredrick Willetts Foundation Board member and Trustee Raphael Sukaj.
All five saves were outstanding in their own way, but it is no surprise to
learn that it was Jaaskelainen's amazing fingertip stop to deny Tottenham
Hotspur's Gareth Bale on 25 February that has won the day with 51 per cent
of the vote.
The 38-year-old's reaction stop to push Romelu Lukaku's deflected free-kick
onto the post against West Bromwich Albion in March ranked second with 21
per cent, while his full-length save to deny Wayne Rooney in the Barclays
Premier League fixture at Manchester United in November was voted into third
place with 14 per cent of the vote.
8.50pm - George Moncur, Sebastian Lletget and Dan Potts are the three
players nominated by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE for our third award of
the evening - Young Hammer of the Year, sponsored by Scan Print.
Midfielders Moncur and Lletget have been regulars for the Development Squad
this season, amassing 50 Barclays U21 Premier League appearances and four
goals between them, while defender Potts has continued his development by
making six first-team appearances and enjoying a productive loan spell at
League One club Colchester United.
Carr has selected Moncur as his Young Hammer of the Year, with the central
midfielder impressing many with his strong all-round game.
The 19-year-old arrives on stage and is wearing a broad grin as he collects
his award from Scan Print's Financial Director Paul Yelland and poses for
photographs to mark his big night.
8.45pm - Now it's time for our second award, which is Academy Player of the
Year - sponsored by Shore Capital
Our second award this evening is Academy Player of the Year, sponsored by
Shore Capital, with Academy Director Tony Carr MBE selecting prolific
striker Elliot Lee, Republic of Ireland U19 attacking midfielder Kieran
Sadlier and Development Squad left-back Frazer Shaw as his three nominees.
While Sadlier has finished as leading scorer for the Under-18s and Shaw has
been promoted to the Club's Under-21s while still a scholar, it is no
surprise to learn that Lee is the winner.
The young forward has enjoyed another prolific campaign, capped by a
first-team debut in the FA Cup with Budweiser third-round replay at
Manchester United in January.
Shore Capital Director Rupert Armitage is the man to present Lee with his
award, with the 18-year-old beaming ear to ear as he receives his trophy.
8.40pm - The first award to be handed out is Goal of the Season - sponsored
by Carbon Neutral Investments
Our first winner of the night is midfielder Mohamed Diame, who collects the
Goal of the Season award from sponsor Carbon Neutral Investments' Managing
Director Ed Carlton.
Diame had two nominations for the award - one for his individual strike
against Arsenal in October and the other for his curling rocket against
Manchester United in the 2-2 league draw at the Boleyn Ground in April.
And it is the Senegal captain's outstanding goal against the newly-crowned
Barclays Premier League champions that has won the day, scooping 49 per cent
of the vote.
Andy Carroll's superb controlled volley in the 3-1 home victory over West
Bromwich Albion in March ranked second, receiving 25 per cent of the vote,
while Diame's finish against the Gunners came third with 18 per cent.
8.35pm - We're just about to get the awards part of the evening underway!
7.10pm - The players and guests have arrived at the Grosvenor House Hotel
here on London's Park Lane. The stage is set for what promises to be a
thrilling evening, with 12 awards to be presented, capped by a Lifetime
Achievement Award for the great Billy Bonds MBE and the crowning of the
Hammer of the Year! We will keep you updated throughout the evening here on
whufc.com and on our official twitter feed @whufc_official. You can also
enjoy an exclusive Facebook gallery that we will be updating continually
throughout the evening.

Good evening and welcome to the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane
for tonight's West Ham United 2012/13 Awards Dinner in aid of the Academy.
It promises to be another memorable event in Hammers history as Sam
Allardyce's squad vie for most prestigious title in football - that of
Hammer of the Year, sponsored by Alpari (UK).
With a total of 12 awards up for grabs, there will be plenty of reasons to
celebrate as West Ham come to the end of a fine first season back in the
Barclays Premier League.
Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE, who was crowned Hammer of the Year himself
on no fewer than four occasions, will be the recipient of the Club's
first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Locke Lord. Bonzo, of
course, played nearly 800 times in claret and blue between 1967 and 1988 and
later spent three seasons in the Boleyn Ground dugout as manager during the
early 1990s.
We also already know that Jussi Jaaskelainen will take home the Save of the
Season award, sponsored by Thomas Fredrick Willetts Foundation, while the
Top Goalscorer award, sponsored by England Environmental and Southern
Asbestos Services, will be shared - for now - by Andy Carroll and Kevin
Nolan.
However, there are nine other awards up for grabs, including the coveted
Players' Player of the Year, sponsored by Ark Build PLC, Best Team
Performance, sponsored by Call Print, and Best Individual Performance,
sponsored by Mulalley and Company Limited.

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'He has had an unbelievable career'
WHUFC.com
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce pays his tribute to retiring Manchester United
manager Sir Alex Ferguson
08.05.2013

Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson following the Manchester
United manager's announcement that he will retire at the end of the season.
The West Ham United boss has enjoyed many duels with Sir Alex down the
years, while also striking up a friendship with his long-time managerial
adversary.
Big Sam admitted to being shocked by news that the Red Devils boss is to
move into a new role as a director and ambassador at Old Trafford after more
than 26 years in the dugout. "I spoke to Sir Alex recently and I had no
inkling that he was considering retiring from his position at Manchester
United," said the Hammers manager. "So, like for everyone else, it has come
as a bit of a shock. " think it's clear he was going to announce this at the
end of the season, but whispers have got out somewhere, so he probably had
to make it official right now. "For himself, his wife Kathy and the rest of
his family, I hope they can enjoy his retirement, the time they will have
together and see things they have always wanted to see."

Big Sam and Sir Alex have locked horns no fewer than 45 times as managers,
with the most-recent being the thrilling 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw at
the Boleyn Ground on 17 April. "Sir Alex has had an unbelievable career, not
just at Manchester United, but when he first started [at Aberdeen in
Scotland]. For me, he is the greatest club manager that has ever been
produced, certainly in this country, if not Europe. "However many managers
there were before him, the huge task he had was to achieve what Sir Matt
Busby had done before him. For him to have done that and more, to have won
the treble for Manchester United, and the joy and satisfaction of doing that
gave was fantastic. "To build as many teams as he has built over the
seasons, on and off the field, was brilliant. He changed the backroom staff
to support what he was trying to do and as a man, he is a fantastic human
being. "We will all sadly miss him, many others will too. Manchester United
now have a massive task to replace him."

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Carroll seeing reward for hard work
WHUFC.com
SBOBET Player of the Month for April Andy Carroll is delighted with his
current form
08.05.2013

Since returning from injury it is fair say Hammers striker Andy Carroll has
certainly found his stride in claret and blue. The Club's joint top scorer
again picked up the SBOBET Player of the Month for April at the weekend -
just four weeks after collecting the same prize for March. And with six
goals from his last eleven games, the big Geordie is hoping to add to that
tally in the final two fixtures of the campaign. He told West Ham TV: "I've
been working hard, the fans have been seeing me playing well and it's good
to get the award for the second month running. I'm happy. "It's great for
the fans to have a vote and I am over moon with collecting it two months in
a row. But obviously, it's a team game and everybody puts their all in every
week." Following West Ham's goalless draw at the Boleyn Ground against
Newcastle United on Saturday, the striker admits it felt strange playing
against his boyhood team. He continued: "It was a tough game, Newcastle are
a great side but they're struggling at the minute down at the bottom. It was
a tough game and I thought we could have nicked it and they maybe could have
nicked it as well. It was a good result after all."

Looking ahead to the trip to Merseyside Carroll is eager to see the team end
the season with a winning streak. He added: "It would be nice to get a
result at Everton on Sunday. We hoped to get a result last Saturday but only
managed a point but that's good enough. I hope we get six points from our
last two games.
"I missed a lot of the season through injury so I've kept myself fit and put
in the work to stay like this. Now it's paying off and I'm happy. I could
still go for another few. I'm not ready for the rest yet."

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Haycock foresees bright future
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock lauded a successful season as the Barclays U21 Premier League
drew to a close
08.05.2013

Nick Haycock refused to let an end-of-season defeat at West Bromwich Albion
dampen his spirits, as the Development Squad coach looked forward to a
bright future for his young charges. A deflected free-kick on the stroke of
half time settled an otherwise even contest in the midlands, a result that
saw the Hammers end the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Elite Group in
sixth spot. The U21s boss subsequently insisted that his side's final
position was scant reward for their collective efforts throughout the
campaign, but was beaming with pride nonetheless. He told West Ham TV:
"Taking this game away, I'm delighted with the players this season. We've
given young players a chance on a regular basis and a stat revealed we're
the youngest team in the U21s league, which is great news. The league has
been a fantastic thing for West Ham United. "This place is full of good
young players who are getting challenged now, playing up, playing with and
against older players. I can only see us going onto bigger and brighter
things. We've more than competed in this Elite Group and I think we
warranted being in that top three. Having previously suffered a 5-2 reverse
at Southampton, Haycock was intent on provoking a reaction from his players,
one that was certainly evident in the second half against the Baggies. He
continued: "The message throughout the week was that we didn't want to go
out on a whimper, with the poor second-half display against at Southampton.
I wouldn't say we got going quite as well as we would have liked, but even
then in the first half we still had four or five great opportunities. It was
probably an even game. "We gave a poor goal away right on the stroke of half
time and that ended up costing us the game. The second-half display was much
better. It showed that we had the quality to score and on another day we
might have had two or three."

While Haycock had obviously been keen to end the campaign on a high,
successive defeats were not about to detract from all the good work that has
proceeded the season's final two outings, both on and off the pitch. "There
are individuals in there who have played the majority of the games. I think
George Moncur has had a good campaign, as has Seb Lletget. Of the younger
ones coming through, Pelly Ruddock has dropped back into centre-half and has
done a fantastic job. Leo Chambers did well prior to Christmas and Elliot
Lee has shown that he's a goalscorer at this level. "We've played this
second half of the campaign, regularly without four England schoolboys and
some senior players, in terms of U21s, who have been injured. So we know
what we've got in that dressing room, and it's just making sure they're
professionals on and off the pitch. "This was our first year as a Category
One Academy and we've made great strides. It's a thriving time, and I've
told the players, it's down to them as to how far they go. It's all there
for them, the opportunity being the main thing, because it's a club that has
always had a tradition of producing players. Three years down the line,
we're hoping some of this lot are going to be playing in the Olympic
Stadium."

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Goodbye, Taggart
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will be retiring from his post at
Manchester United at the end of the season.

In tribute to the 71-year-old Scot's 27 years in charge at Old Trafford, we
decided to compile a list of our favourite Fergie moments - that is, our
favourite five occasions on which Ferguson's (crimson red) nose had been put
out of joint...

5. I See Red, People (2013)

Having watched his side battered by Sam Allardyce's class of 2013, Ferguson
- perhaps forgetting that his side only escaped from the Boleyn Ground with
a 2-2 draw thanks to a clearly offside Robin Van Persie - chose to
(mis)direct his anger at poor Andy Carroll, who was guilty of the heinous
crime of performing like an effective Premier League striker.

"They are very, very aggressive," blasted the apoplectic Scot, before
forcing a room full of journalists to stifle their laughter by stating -
without a hint of irony: "you hope there's a strong referee. I'm not so sure
we got that.

"It [Carroll's challenge on goalkeeper De Gea] was a red card. There is not
a doubt about that. The referee did see it but didn't see it as a red card.
I think it's obvious. We had to stand up to a lot there."

4. Specsy Boy (2011)

It can never be said that Jonathan Spector had an easy time of it at West
Ham. Constantly overlooked by a succession of managers the American
international never complained (publicly, at least), choosing instead to get
on with his job.

It is said the every dog has his day and Spector was finally rewarded for
his patience in November 2010 when, due to a succession of injuries, he was
selected to start against that season's league champions Ferguson's Reds -
in a Carling Cup, quarter final tie.

With the Irons having been granted home advantage - and snow swirling around
the ground on a bitterly cold night - Spector took to his former club like a
man possessed. Fifteen minutes in and a first effort was ruled out for
offside. Unphased, the midfielder continued as he had begun and put his team
1-0 up on 22 minutes with a diving header - as rare a thing as you will ever
see.

However that wasn't enough for Scott Parker's stand-in and he duly added a
second 15 minutes later, before two second half goals from Carlton Cole
confirmed West Ham's first and only four-goal haul against a Ferguson team.

3. Taxi For Barthez (2001)

Having disposed of Walsall in the third round by three goals to two, West
Ham were left cursing their luck when they were drawn away to Ferguson's
all-conquering Manchester United in the fourth round.

Few gave the Hammers a cat-in-Hell's chance of toppling the mighty Mancs -
yet not even the fact that ITV were broadcasting the game live would prevent
9,000 happy Hammers fans from making the 200-mile trip up the M1.

However there wasn't a single fan regretting the journey when Paolo Di Canio
was on hand to score the game's only goal with just 14 minute remaining.

Put through on goal by Freddie Kanoute, the Italian strode towards goal; Man
U 'keeper Fabien Barthez bizarrely attempted to psyche the striker out by
raising his arm for an offside that never was - and Di Canio swept the ball
beyond the crazy Frenchman to send 9,000 Eastenders delirious and West Ham
into the fifth round.

2. Ludo's Games (1995)

Tipped for the drop by many and having dipped in and out of the relegation
zone for much of the season it was a therefore a pleasant surprise when
Harry Redknapp's side went into the final game of the 1994/95 campaign safe
in 14th spot.

But whilst Redknapp's team - minus injured talisman Julian Dicks - may have
had little but pride to play for, Ferguson's Man United needed a win to
stand a chance of securing the Premiership title.

Michael Hughes threw a huge spanner in the works by giving West Ham a 31st
minute lead much to the delight of the majority in the 24,783 crowd - an
advantage Redknapp's side carried into the half time break. But with danger
man Mark Hughes thrown into the mix at the interval, Man U were a different
prospect - and it was no surprise when they pulled level through Brian
McClair just seven minutes after the restart.

With news that Blackburn were behind at Anfield, Ferguson's side sniffed
victory and a Championship - but Ludo Miklosko had other ideas. Time after
time the big Czech 'keeper denied Man U; even still, a second goal seemed
inevitable due to the visitors' total domination of the game.

When Andy Cole was presented with a gilt-edged opportunity with moments to
go it looked like West Ham's staunch resistance had all been for nothing -
until Miklosko pulled off a stunning close-range save that sent the title to
Blackburn instead.

1. Golden Brown (1992)

Already doomed to relegation with three games still to play, there was no
pressure on Billy Bonds' team as they prepared to face Ferguson's
title-chasers at the Boleyn in April 1992.

Man United - who hadn't won a League title for 25 years - went into the game
knowing that only a win would be enough to keep them in the race for the
crown having lost at home to Nottingham Forest earlier in the week. However
Kenny Brown, for one, was to have other ideas.

With 66 minutes on the clock and the game still goalless Stuart Slater set
off down the left. His cross was inadvertently diverted into the path of the
full back who slammed home the game's only goal in front of his father,
former Hammers great Ken, watching in the stands.

The goal gave West Ham three pointless points as they finished bottom of the
table whilst Manchester United saw the title go to rivals Leeds United.
Ferguson was left incensed by West Ham daring to actually try and win the
match, bizarrely describing the efforts of Billy Bonds' team as "obscene".

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Bromwich Albion 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Development Squad ended their season in disappointing
fashion by going down 1-0 against bottom club West Bromwich Albion this
afternoon. The hosts scored the only goal of the game - a deflected free
kick by Adil Nabi - in the FIFTH minute of added-on time at the end of the
first half to record only their second win of the (14-match) league
campaign. As well as falling to defeat at Albion's training ground, West Ham
also lost 19-year-old Matthias Fanimo to a nasty injury, with the midfielder
being stretchered off towards the end of the first half. The reversal means
West Ham's youngsters end the Elite Group phase in a disappointing sixth
place, ahead of only Wolves and today's opponents. You may see the current
league table here.

West Ham Utd: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Sadlier 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 32).
Subs Not Used: Nemrava, Miles, Burke.

West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs Not Used: Rose, Pace, Jones, N'Kumu, Molyneux.
Goals: Nabi (45+5).

Referee: Martin Dexter.

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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan wants to improve squad
Last Updated: May 8, 2013 10:18am
SSN

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has indicated that he intends to bolster
the squad in the summer, with a new striker top of the agenda. In their
first season back in the Premier League, the Hammers have excelled and are
on course for a top-half finish, despite boss Sam Allardyce coming under
much scrutiny earlier in the season. And with the club due to move into the
Olympic Stadium in 2016, the future looks even more promising for the east
London club. "Our planning has already started to make sure next season is
even better," Sullivan told The Sun. "A crucial factor will be recruiting
the right players in the right positions."

Goals have been hard to come by on their return to the top flight, and
leading scorer Andy Carroll looks unlikely to make his switch to Upton Park
permanent due to his excessive wage demands. Sullivan knows that should
Carroll return to his parent club Liverpool, then he and boss Allardyce must
make the acquisition of a striker their priority. "We want to bring in at
least one proven goalscorer to bolster our attack," he added. "We want to
strengthen the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options
and variety."

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Sullivan's big move
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun

WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan has revealed they are targeting at least
four summer signings — including a big-time striker. The East London club
have enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premier League and are
challenging for a top-10 finish. And with the Hammers gearing up for a move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, they are planning for their top-flight
future. Sullivan said: "Our planning has already started to make sure next
season is even better.
"A crucial factor will be recruiting the right players in the right
positions. "Our aim is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen
the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options and
variety. "We want to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to bolster our
attack.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JOE COLE THANKS STEVENAGE FANS
Stevenagefc.com
PUBLISHED
12:15 8th May 2013
by Mitchell Jones

West Ham United star Joe Cole spoke to press after Tuesday night's Match for
Mitch at the Lamex Stadium and he paid tribute to the Stevenage fans for
making the night such a success. "I would like to thank all the fans who
turned up, my team-mates and everyone at Stevenage Football Club," said The
Hammers' No26. Cole, along with West Ham teammates Andy Carroll, Mark Noble,
Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan and James Collins, all played the first 45 minutes
of the game for the Cole XI, and took a commanding 6-2 victory in at the
break. Speaking at half time, Cole continued: "The guys who came tonight are
all big names. It is a long season and I cannot thank the lads enough."

Mitchell, who passed away in December 2012 of the heart condition
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was Cole's brother-in-law. Joe said: "It was a
good send-off for Mitchell and we raised a lot of money for charity, which
is the main thing. We all had a good night. I didn't manage to score but I
will save that for the weekend!"

Cole said his brother-in-law was a fine player and that it was only his
health issues that prevented him from being a Premier League star. "I think
Mitchell's ability was unquestioned. He was diagnosed with a heart condition
at the age of 15 so it affected him from a young age. If he hadn't of had
it, he would have been a top Premier League player. "Anyone who worked with
him will tell you he had a great left foot. He had a decent career in the
lower leagues but he was doing it in second gear because he couldn't push
his body as much as he wanted to. "Technically, he had a great left foot, he
was quick and he really was talented. The condition, affected him but he had
a good career, he was a good family man and a great fella. "We all loved him
and it was great to see such a send-off for him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Wonder Reid Wants To Be Part Of West Ham
Date: 8th May 2013 at 9:39 pm
Written by: Kwame Boakye
Foreverwestham.com

So last week it was announced that Winston Reid had signed a new two year
deal at the club.

I still remember Reidy's debut at right-back in that ill-fated 3-0 defeat to
Aston Villa on the opening day of our relegation season…he looked all over
the shop to put it mildly, but then again so did the rest of uncle Avram's
motley crue that day.

Reidy however was one of the first after relegation was confirmed to step up
and say he was willing to stay and help the club fight for promotion and it
turned out to be the best decision he could've made.

Great defenders are often forged in the brutality that is the Championship;
the relentless fixtures, the battles with big burly centre forwards who
aren't so much in-vogue in the Premier League these days but still rule the
roost in the league below, the endless crosses and high-looping balls…all
have to be dealt with and if you should survive…you emerge a man, a man
baptised in what English football is all about and ready for greater
challenges that lie ahead.

Winston definitely shook off his tag as a 'soft touch' during our promotion
winning campaign and has gone on to prove himself as the no. 1 centre back
at the club, his partnership with a certain James Collins has been rock
solid all season and as our most consistent performer of the campaign surely
a first Hammer of the year award is on its way.

It's a great sign that a player with so much talent, potential and promise
is already signed up and professing how much he's looking forward to running
out at the Olympic stadium.

There's a real feel-good aurora around West Ham at the moment: we're safe
from relegation, we have just announced a new deal with Adidas (which in my
humble opinion is a massive step up from Macron!) We're moving to a new
stadium and now our best talent are committing their futures.

Truly these are exciting times, it's no wonder Reidy wants to be a part of
it all.

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Monaco join West Ham in race for Ivorian strike star
By talkSPORT | Wednesday, May 8, 2013

West Ham face a fight to sign free-scoring Ivorian Wilfried Bony after
Monaco joined the chase for the Vitesse Arnhem front man. The Hammers have
revealed they plan to sign a proven goalscorer this summer and Bony is among
manager Sam Allardyce's main transfer priorities should he fail to land
on-loan Liverpool star Andy Carroll on a permanent basis. Bony, 24, has been
in blistering form for Vitesse this term, scoring 31 goals in 29 Eredivisie
games to alert clubs across the continent. Monaco are in pole position to
clinch promotion from the second tier of French football and their Russian
owner Dmitry Rybolovlev is ready to splash the cash ahead of a return to
Ligue 1. Vitesse are aware of Bony's desire to leave Holland and their
technical director Ted van Leeuwen has hinted the forward could be on his
way to the principality. He told JeuneAfrique.com: "I have heard about the
interest of Monaco."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You wouldn't mess with him! Alvin Martin hails ex-team-mate Billy Bonds as
Hammers hand legend lifetime achievement award
By JOE BERNSTEIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY
PUBLISHED: 13:45, 8 May 2013 | UPDATED: 13:45, 8 May 2013

West Ham United will honour club legend Billy Bonds in a glittering ceremony
tonight to revive memories of an era when players were free to say what they
thought and bring team-mates into line. Bonds, who served the Hammers for 27
years as player, captain, coach and manager, will collect a Lifetime
Achievement award from the club at their player of the year awards night at
London's Grosvenor House, a long-overdue recognition for the man who twice
led the Hammers to FA Cup wins at Wembley but left Upton Park in acrimonious
circumstances when he resigned as manager in 1994. Former team-mate Alvin
Martin, who stood alongside Bonds when they beat Arsenal as a Second
Division club to win the cup in 1980, reveals there has never been a
straighter or more respected figure to wear the famous claret-and-blue.

'I was his little protégé and he was my mentor. Sometimes he taught me by
talking to me, sometimes by booting me,' recalls Martin. 'In those days I
was a little bit full of myself, I took risks in front of goal I shouldn't
have done, and he brought me down a peg. 'I remember on one occasion
nutmegging one of the senior players John McDowell in training. Two minutes
later, I was on the floor. Bill had dished out a challenge just to let me
know what I'd done wasn't right.
'As a pairing we were perfectly balanced. Most teams played with a big
striker and little striker, I'd look after the first ball in the air and
Bill would do the rest. I played for West Ham for 22 years and I didn't have
a defensive partner that got anywhere close to him.' Bonds played 663 games
for West Ham in a 21-year spell to 1988. He was later the club's manager for
four seasons, twice helping them win promotion to the top-flight but then
resigning suddenly to allow his assistant Harry Redknapp to take charge.
Bonds is regarded as one of the best players ever not to win an England cap,
unfortunately getting injured before he was due to make his debut under Ron
Greenwood in 1981. More than statistics though, Martin believes Bonds
epitomised the spirit of playing for West Ham s much as the club's other
renowned legends World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking.
'He was just a traditional football man, honest, hard but fair; never made
excuses. If we were going into a big game, and saw Bill there, you'd think
you had a chance,' said Martin. There was an incident that summed him up
perfectly. We played Castilla in the Cup Winners Cup in the Bernabeu and
after the game there were reports of crowd trouble and West Ham fans
urinating on the Spanish supporters. 'Bill was asked about it at the
airport afterwards and, honest as always, said if anyone had done that, they
were animals.

BILL BONDS - WEST HAM LEGEND
AS A PLAYER (1967-88)
663 games, 48 goals
Two FA Cup winners medals (1975, 1980), Second Division championship
1980/81, two England under-23 caps

AS MANAGER (1990-94)
Two promotions to the First Division

Billy Bonds' longevity as a West Ham player provided the punchline for
stand-up comedians in the 1980s.. American soldiers visiting a remote
Pacific Island were attacked by some Japanese veterans unaware the Second
World War had ended forty years earlier. As the Americans explained the war
was over, the Japanese looked at them quizzically and asked: 'Churchill?'
"Dead," said the Americans. "What about Eisenhower?" "Dead". "Stalin?"
"Dead, a long long time ago". 'Well, tell me one thing," said the Japanese
commander. "Billy Bonds – he still play for West Ham?"

'Some West Ham fans took exception to what Bill said and the following
weekend (v Watford) there was a pocket of supporters who booed him when he
got the ball. It must have been disconcerting for him given what he'd given
to West Ham, but all Bill did in reaction was to go up and the pitch for 90
minutes running more, tackling harder. By the end of the game, every tackle
he made was being given a huge ovation by the 99 per cent of fans who were
on his side. That was him, Billy Bonds. 'You always get banter flying around
a football club particularly on night out, but Bill was above that. You
wouldn't mess around with him.' In recent years, Bonds has been a very
infrequent visitor to The Boleyn, possibly feeling aggrieved that Redknapp
had helped engineer his departure nearly two decades ago. But the new
ownership of David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady have been keen to
celebrate West Ham's past and tonight Bonds will be watched on in awe by the
current generation of players including Joe Cole and Andy Carroll. 'I think
what there is now is a recognition of the history of the club,' said Martin.
'All clubs need to have that and the fact he is getting this award is very
well-deserved.'

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 8th MAy 2013

Hammers pay tribute to Mitchell Cole
WHUFC.com
Six West Ham United players honoured the memory of the late Mitchell Cole at
a special Benefit Match
07.05.2013

Six West Ham United players joined thousands in honouring the memory of the
late Mitchell Cole at a special Benefit Match at Stevenage on Tuesday.
Hammers Academy graduate Cole passed away in December 2012 of the heart
condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was just 27. The late winger's
brother-in-law Joe Cole played a central role in organising the Benefit
Match at Mitchell's old club Stevenage FC between a Boro XI and a Cole XI.
Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, James Collins and Andy Carroll were
all on target during an entertaining first half that saw the Cole XI -
captained by the Hammers midfielder - recover from a goal down to take a 6-2
half-time lead. The game finished 7-4. Cole said Mitchell would have been
proud of the send-off he received and also thanked the players and
supporters who turned out in his memory. "I would like to thank all the fans
who turned up, my team-mates and everyone at Stevenage Football Club," said
the No26. "The guys who came tonight are all big names. It is a long season
and I cannot thank the lads enough.
"It was a good send-off for Mitchell and we raised a lot of money for
charity, which is the main thing. We all had a good night. I didn't manage
to score but I will save that for the weekend!"

Cole said his brother-in-law was a fine player and that it was only his
health issues that prevented him from being a Premier League star. "I think
Mitchell's ability was unquestioned. He was diagnosed with a heart condition
at the age of 15 so it affected him from a young age. If he hadn't of had
it, he would have been a top Premier League player. "Anyone who worked with
him will tell you he had a great left foot. He had a decent career in the
lower leagues but he was doing it in second gear because he couldn't push
his body as much as he wanted to. "Technically, he had a great left foot, he
was quick and he really was talented. The condition, affected him but he had
a good career, he was a good family man and a great fella. "We all loved him
and it was great to see such a send-off for him."

In a fitting tribute to Cole, 2,306 fans watched a thrilling, light-hearted
match that featured many of his former team-mates from Stevenage, Grays
Athletic, Southend United, Northampton Town and Oxford United - as well as
Hammers stars Kevin Nolan, James Collins, Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis and Andy
Carroll.
All proceeds from an enjoyable yet poignant evening will be split between
the Cole family and its chosen charity, The Cardiomyopathy Association.
After a minute's applause accompanied by a chorus of 'Mitchell Cole' to the
tune of Spandau Ballet's 'Gold', the game began in exciting fashion. Carroll
- playing up front alongside new partner Collins - had already shot narrowly
wide before former Stevenage striker Chris Beardsley tapped the Boro XI in
front on five minutes. The Hammers contingent then took centre-stage. Cole
hit the inside of the post, Carroll saw his header blocked and Collins
blasted out of the stadium before the makeshift striker's header down was
tapped in by Noble on 15 minutes. The goals continued to flow as Jarvis and
Nolan both produced outstanding first-time finishes before Charlton Athletic
midfielder Lawrie Wilson pulled a goal back for the Boro XI amid applause to
mark the No21 shirt worn by Cole.
On 24 minutes, it was 4-2 when Carroll whipped in a left-wing cross for
Collins to volley home superbly before Jarvis got his second six minutes
before half-time, rounding goalkeeper Ashley Bayes and slotting into the
unguarded net. Carroll became the fifth Hammer to hit the target two minutes
before the break, slotting home after Bayes had parried Collins' first-time
shot - a goal that led to chants of 'Sign him up!' from the Stevenage fans.
As agreed, the six West Ham players took their leave at half-time, but the
goals kept coming after the break, with former Fulham striker Barry Hayles
among the scorers as the Cole XI ran out 7-4 winners on an emotional and
memorable evening for everyone concerned.

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West Ham United and adidas
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have agreed a lucrative commercial partnership with global
sportswear giant adidas
07.05.2013

West Ham United and adidas are delighted to announce a lucrative commercial
partnership which sees the global sportswear giant become the Club's
Official Technical Supplier from 1 June 2013. The agreement will see adidas
produce the Hammers' team kit, replica kit, trainingwear and equipment for
the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons and will feature adidas performance fabrics
ClimaCool and ClimaLite technology, a mixture of heat and moisture
controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air
flow to the skin and in key heat zones. The Hammers have enjoyed a rich
history with the world-famous sports brand and wore the company's strips for
their best-ever league finish of third in 1986 and in the 1981 League Cup
final. Indeed, some of the most legendary players ever to pull on the claret
and blue did so in an adidas kit, including Billy Bonds MBE, Sir Trevor
Brooking and Tony Cottee, and now many more stories are set to be told with
the Club now clad in the famous three stripes again.

The choice of adidas also reflects the suggestions made by the Club's
Supporter Advisory Board in discussions held about the Hammers' choice of
technical partner. West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We are
delighted to team up with adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's
history. They are an ideal partner due to their proven technical experience,
innovation in product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The
agreement with a world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of
our Club's growing global standing. adidas is a brand that West Ham United
have a proud association with and we are looking forward to creating many
more glorious memories playing in the famous three stripes. "As our detailed
independent Olympic Stadium supporter consultation showed, we always listen
to our supporters' opinions and I am pleased we have been able to act on
their wants by reuniting us with adidas."

Steve Holland, Senior Manager - Commercial Clubs at adidas, said: "To
partner with West Ham United again, considering there has been such an
iconic past relationship, meant that there was genuine excitement from both
parties as we agreed the deal. adidas is confident the Hammers fans will
truly appreciate the quality and design of the new kits and extended ranges
and we wish the club every continued success on pitch for the coming
seasons."

West Ham's Technical Partner for the past three years has been Macron. The
Italian sportswear company's CEO Gianluca Pavanello said the two would part
on amicable terms. "adidas will take over from Macron as the club's official
technical partner," said Pavanello "We would very much like to thank West
Ham United FC, as we have very much enjoyed a great relationship with the
West Ham family over these past three years, where we feel both brands have
received international exposure. "We very much enjoyed producing each
season's bespoke kit and to everyone at the club with whom we have had the
privilege of working. We wish them every success for the future."

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Diame wins Goal of the Month
WHUFC.com
Senegal midfielder wins award for cracker against Manchester United
07.05.2013

Mohamed Diame's cracker against Manchester United has won the West Ham
United Goal of the Month prize for April. Diame struck to put the Hammers
2-1 up in a pulsating game that would eventually end all-square at 2-2 and
his goal took the honours in a vote on the Club's Official Facebook Page.
The Senegal international's goal polled an overwhelming 72% of the vote,
comfortably beating Kevin Nolan's strike against Wigan Athletic (18%) into
second. Diame's third of the season was a truly memorable one, collecting
possession from Guy Demel before losing Wayne Rooney with a deft drop of the
shoulder and cracking a curling left-footed shot beyond David de Gea's dive
and into the bottom left corner.

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Hammers edged out by Baggies
WHUFC.com
A first-half free-kick proved the difference as the Hammers lost out at West
Bromwich Albion
07.05.2013

West Ham United's Development Squad succumbed to a slender 1-0 defeat at
West Bromwich Albion's training ground, rounding off their Barclays Under-21
Premier League campaign. The game's only goal arrived deep into first-half
stoppage time, as Adil Nabi's free-kick took a wicked deflection on its way
past the stranded Jake Larkins. Thereafter Shane Lewis pulled of a stunning
stop to foil Elliot Lee, while the crossbar then denied him once more to
preserve the hosts' narrow advantage. It was rough justice on Nick Haycock's
men who were, in the end, good value for a point at the very least and will
count themselves mightily unlucky to end the Elite Group stage down in
sixth. The Hammers might not have begun the afternoon in particularly fluent
fashion, but it was they who created an early chance, as Lee's angled drive
forced Lewis to parry into the six-yard box, though Paul McCallum was unable
to bundle home. Centre-forward McCallum then went close again after 17
minutes, spinning on the edge of box, before watching his drive whistle past
the far post. With both sides trading blows, the game ground to an
unfortunate halt just before the half-hour mark, as the returning Matthias
Fanimo fell to earth after a collision with Tom Smart. The West Ham winger
would subsequently depart the scene on a stretcher, to be replaced by Sean
Maguire. Meanwhile, Adil Nabi began to influence proceedings, thudding a
long-range drive against the bar. And it was he who would break the
deadlock, albeit in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Nathan Mavila saw his attempted cross charged down, prompting a swift break
down the Hammers' left. The Baggies tore forward and were rewarded with a
free-kick on the edge of the box. Nabi took charge and was soon celebrating
as his set piece ricocheted off Spence before nestling in the back of the
visitors' net.

In reply, West Ham were inches away from levelling matters five minutes
after the resumption, when McCallum was desperately close to applying a
telling touch to Kieran Bywater's centre. Elsewhere, George Moncur teed up
Robert Hall with a quick free-kick, but his shot flashed across the face of
the goal, after Pelly Ruddock's curled effort had also drifted beyond the
far stick. Step forward Elliot Lee, who on another day might well have won
the game for his side, let alone drawn it. He firstly drew a brilliant
finger-tip stop from Lewis with a thumping drive from distance, before his
expertly struck free-kick cannoned back of the crossbar. After a late
penalty shout for handball had come and gone, the Baggies were able to cling
onto the three points, a win to avenge a 2-0 reverse at Rush Green earlier
in the Elite Group. Recent disappointments aside, West Ham's second string
can now reflect on a job well done, having topped Group One prior to
Christmas, as well as playing a full part in a wholly competitive Elite
Group with the youngest team on show.

West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Miles 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 30).
Subs: Nemrava, Miles, Sadlier, Burke.

West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs: Pace, Rose, Jones, Molyneux

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Ladies come unstuck at Lewes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Ladies suffered a 3-0 defeat at Lewes on Sunday
07.05.2013

West Ham United Ladies' wait for a win goes on after they were defeated 3-0
by Lewes in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division on Sunday.
The Hammers have not tasted victory since their win over Lewes in the
reverse fixture in early March, and there was to be no repeat as the Sussex
side ran out comfortable winners. For Lewes, the three-point haul was their
fourth in succession and moved them up above the Hammers and into fifth
place in the table.. Andriea Veiga's powerful drive put the Rookettes 1-0
up, before Tash Wells headed home to double their lead by half time. Kelly
Newton's header in the closing stages completed the scoring and left the
visitors well beaten. West Ham's season concludes this coming Sunday with a
trip to title-chasing Reading.

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U18s: Albion 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's under 18s ended their season in disappointing fashion by
going down 1-0 against bottom club West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.
The hosts scored the only goal of the game - a deflected free kick by Adil
Nabi - in the FIFTH minute of added-on time at the end of the first half to
record only their second win of the (14-match) league campaign. As well as
falling to defeat at Albion's training ground, West Ham also lost
19-year-old Matthias Fanimo to a nasty injury, with the midfielder being
stretchered off towards the end of the first half. The reversal means West
Ham's youngsters end the Elite Group phase in a disappointing sixth place,
ahead of only Wolves and today's opponents. You may see the current league
table here.

West Ham Utd: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Sadlier 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 32).

Subs Not Used: Nemrava, Miles, Burke.

West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.

Subs Not Used: Rose, Pace, Jones, N'Kumu, Molyneux.

Goals: Nabi (45+5).

Referee: Martin Dexter.

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West Ham announce Adidas partnership
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

One of West Ham's worst-kept secrets was finally revealed today when the
club announced they would be teaming up with shirt sponsor Adidas from this
summer. The iconic German brand will replace existing Italian kit
manufacturer Macron, with West Ham set to wear Adidas shirts for the next
three seasons. In addition to supplying kit, the sportswear company will
provide a range of training wear and equipment. West Ham vice-chair Karren
Brady, speaking via whufc.com, said this morning: "We are delighted to team
up with Adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's history. They are an
ideal partner due to their proven technical experience, innovation in
product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The agreement with a
world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of our Club's
growing global standing. Adidas is a brand that West Ham United have a proud
association with and we are looking forward to creating many more glorious
memories playing in the famous three stripes."

News of West Ham's (re)association with the company that was set up by
Bavarian Adolf 'Adi' Dassler in 1948 has received a positive welcome from
supporters, many of whom associate the brand with the promotion-winning West
Ham side of the early 1980s. Considered by many to be the finest West Ham
kit ever made, Adidas' 1980 classic - which the Hammers wore for the next
three seasons - is still highly sought after with originals changing hands
for good prices on auction websites.

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Sullivan's big move
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun

WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan has revealed they are targeting at least
four summer signings — including a big-time striker. The East London club
have enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premier League and are
challenging for a top-10 finish. And with the Hammers gearing up for a move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, they are planning for their top-flight
future. Sullivan said: "Our planning has already started to make sure next
season is even better.
"A crucial factor will be recruiting the right players in the right
positions. "Our aim is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen
the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options and
variety. "We want to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to bolster our
attack."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wages chop is a Reo-Choker
By MIKE McGRATH
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun

NIGEL REO-COKER'S amazing drop in wages has been revealed by the MLS — just
six years after he was branded part of the "Baby Bentley" gang. The
midfielder, 28, joined Vancouver Whitecaps in January and their accounts
show his base salary at £130,000 per YEAR. He was on that a MONTH at Aston
Villa after joining from West Ham in 2007. It was at Upton Park where boss
Alan Curbishley lashed out at a "Baby Bentley" culture in which players were
more interested in cars than winning. But money is not the big factor for
some players moving to America now. Tottenham youngster John Bostock, on
loan at Toronto FC, is on just £65,000 a year, while former Wales star Rob
Earnshaw is on £90,000 annually at the same club. Robbie Keane is now the
top MLS earner with £2.6million base a year at LA Galaxy. But his overall
earnings including bonuses are about the same as Thierry Henry at New York
Red Bulls, at £2.8m

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Finnish him? West Ham want Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to compete with ageing
Jussi Jaaskelainen
7 May 2013 22:30
The Mirror

West Ham want to sign Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to boost their
shot-stopping options. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is eying a new keeper to
compete with Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is now 38 years old. The Finnish
veteran has had a decent season and has earned a new one-year deal. But
ex-Ewood Park chief Allardyce knows Kean, 22, is a decent prospect after
being in charge when they snapped him up from Derby in 2009, aged 18. Kean
has since been capped up by England U-20s and made 25 first team starts for
Blackburn. He had a brilliant game in February as Blackburn knocked Arsenal
out of the FA Cup at the Emirates 1-0. He became Rovers' No.1 this term when
Paul Robinson got injured until picking up a knee injury himself last month.
Meanwhile, West Ham are reported to be lining up a move for Stoke beanpole
Peter Crouch.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 7th May 2013

Ginge happy with defensive solidity
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender James Collins was delighted with another strong
display at the back on Saturday
06.05.2013

Hammers defender James Collins was delighted to keep another clean sheet in
Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture against Newcastle United. Neither
team could find a way through at the Boleyn Ground, but the point gained
kept the Hammers in the top ten and Collins was happy with the defensive
element of his side's play. "It sort of had that end of season feel to it.
In the second half we were a lot better than we were in the first half and
we were unlucky not to get a goal," said Collins. "But it's another clean
sheet and a point at home."

Papiss Cisse could have handed the Geordies the lead as his shot beat Jussi
Jaaskelainen but was hooked off the line by Hammers defender Winston Reid
inside the opening 20 minutes of the first half. Despite the calls for a
goal, Collins believes the assistant referee got it right. "Sometimes they
give them and sometimes they don't. It was certainly very close, I know that
much. We're just happy that was the only real chance they had in the game.
To get through that and not concede, we're delighted."

Collins agrees the incident will spark further talk of goal-line technology.
"It's needed and I think everyone knows it's needed. It stops the maybes and
maybe nots. The sooner the better for me."

With several obvious links to the Tyneside outfit throughout the team,
Collins admitted it added somewhat of a bite to the tie. "We spoke about it
before the game. The gaffer was obviously desperate to beat them as well as
Kevin [Nolan] and Andy [Carroll]. They're a tough, physical side like
ourselves and we knew it was going to be a hard game and they certainly gave
it to us."

Looking ahead to next weekend's trip to Everton, Collins believes the Club's
recent run of form should give the boost required to ensure the team come
home with all three points. "Away from home, we've been a lot better than we
were during the first half of the season. We're full of confidence at the
moment because we've had some great results over the last six or seven weeks
so if we keep playing the way we are I am sure we can get a good result."

But at the same time the Welshman appreciates the dangers David Moyes' side
will pose on Sunday. "They've got a few. Marouane Fellaini has been doing it
for a few years, Leighton Baines at left back, Steven Pienaar. They're a
side that's full of internationals and a great squad. It will be another
tough game because they've had one of the best seasons they've had for a
long time. If we keep playing the way have then I am confident we can get a
decent result there. "The home fans have been great but the away fans
especially. We seem to be selling out everywhere we go at the minute. It
would be great to put in a good performance and get a win for them."

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Oops! Allardyce's live TV gaffe
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

Sky Sports were forced to issue an on-air apology to viewers after West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce uttered an obscenity during a live interview. Allardyce
was talking about his former job at Bolton and the potential signing of
Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, which fell through when his club
secretary failed to ensure the player signed the necessary paperwork. "The
secretary let him go without signing his contract and the next day he'd
signed for West Brom. So you can imagine the bollocking the secretary got",
laughed Sam - to the horror of studio presenter Ben Shepherd (who appears in
the latest KUMB.com podcast) but not fellow guests Chris Kamara, Ian Snodin
and Ian Rush who all saw the funny side.

Naturally Big Sam's 'foul outburst' led to the ubiquitous complaints from
outraged viewers, which resulted in the TV company issuing an on-air apology
minutes later. Shepherd had already apologised to viewers immediately after
Allardyce's gaffe. During the interview, some of which you may see here,
Allardyce also reiterated his desire to retain the services of on-loan
striker Andy Carroll.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole hopes West Ham can keep hold of Andy Carroll
Last Updated: May 6, 2013 4:14pm
SSN

West Ham midfielder Joe Cole admits he is keen for the club to hang on to
loan striker Andy Carroll. The towering England man has proved a handful for
Premier League defences this term having signed a season-long deal at Upton
Park - but is scheduled to return to parent club Liverpool this summer. And
Hammers team-mate Cole said: "West Ham definitely want to keep Andy Carroll.
"I don't know the ins and outs of the deal but the way he's been playing in
the last couple of weeks you can understand why Liverpool paid £35m for him
a couple of years ago. "I think all the boys want him to stay at West Ham.
He's (his own) man, though, and he has his own agenda. "I don't know what
Liverpool are thinking and I'm sure there will be be other clubs in for him.
West Ham would like to keep him, he's our top scorer. He's got to do what's
right for him, though." West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald said on the
club's official website: "Andy Carroll is enjoying his time in London, is
enjoying playing for West Ham and is enjoying being on the training field
and trying to contribute for the team. He's scoring goals and making goals
for other people."

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Cole in tribute to late brother-in-law
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 06th May 2013

JOE COLE will play in an emotional charity game this Tuesday night in memory
of his brother-in-law Mitchell Cole. Fellow Hammers stars Kevin Nolan, Mark
Noble, James Collins, Matt Jarvis and on-loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll
also feature in the benefit game at Mitchell's former club Stevenage. All
proceeds go to the Cardiomyopathy Association. Mitchell Cole was forced to
retire from the game because of a heart condition and died suddenly last
December aged 27.
The Stevenage XI v Mitchell Cole XI kicks off at 7pm.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool Transfers: Why There's No Chance Reds Will Bring Back Andy Carroll

Bleacherreprot.com
BY KARL MATCHETT (WORLD FOOTBALL STAFF WRITER) ON MAY 6, 2013

Liverpool have already generated a lot of coverage in the global media about
their rumoured transfer-market activities this summer, on both an incoming
and outgoing basis. One of the most talked-about players currently at the
club is record signing Andy Carroll, and whether he will remain at the club
for the long term or be shipped out by Brendan Rodgers.

Carroll has spent this season out on loan at West Ham United in the Premier
League, and despite a first half of the season largely disrupted by injury,
he has found form at the back end of the campaign and now has a tally of
seven goals from 20 starts in the league, making him the Hammers' joint-top
scorer.

The former Magpie has been linked with a move back to Newcastle United (via
Mirror Football) as well as, of course, making his stay at Upton Park a more
permanent one (via Express).

However, others take the view that he could simply come back to Anfield and
play a part in the ongoing renewal of the squad under Brendan Rodgers—but
that appears to be the least attractive option to both club and player.

A Question of Fitness

Andy Carroll is a bit of a giant; at 1.91 metres tall and with a very
muscular frame, he is not an athletic specimen but rather a powerful and
strong forward. What it has translated to is that when Carroll suffers an
injury, he is not a quick healer and, more importantly, he does not quickly
regain his match fitness.

Carroll often needs a run of four or five matches to get his peak physical
condition back, and as a player who is not particularly agile or fast at the
best of times, he can seem lumbering and ungainly as he struggles to keep up
with play.
Now showing his best form for West Ham, it is no surprise that it is coming
after an injury-free run of games. In fact, Carroll has featured in the last
12 league games in a row for Newcastle, with the one exception in that run
of the match versus Liverpool which he was ineligible for. During that run
he has scored six goals and claimed two assists, proving an important part
of the West Ham attack.

Would he get that regularity of games at Liverpool?

Likely not, at least to start with. And the problem is that when Carroll
doesn't play regularly, he loses his match fitness and increased mobility.
If that happens, he becomes less of a threat—and therefore a weapon or
alternative option—when coming off the bench, or when started for one-off
matches.

Tactics and Style

The seasoned argument for letting Carroll go is that he does not fit in with
Brendan Rodgers' preferred style of play, being neither a hugely technical
passer of the ball nor a pacey, direct striker on the ground. That is all
well and good, but even the most blinkered of fans could not deny that
Liverpool have hardly been the free-flowing side that was anticipated at the
start of the season of late.

The Reds have at times shown scintillating play, yes, but on other occasions
look as though they are attacking without a clear plan, building without
direction. This has become perhaps a part of the solution for this season
rather than part of the long term plan for the Reds, until Brendan Rodgers
has enough players at his disposal to play in his own method.
The at-times direct style of attacking from Liverpool has led some to yearn
for the penalty-box presence of Carroll—but even with the former No. 9 in
the team, it is unlikely he would be a good focal point for the attack.

Liverpool rarely look to send over high crosses into the area and the
midfield runners have been restricted in their penalty area movement,
meaning the way he links up with the likes of Kevin Nolan at West Ham would
not be replicated at Anfield.

Depreciating Value of Assets

With no permanent buyer found in time for Andy Carroll last year, the Reds
ended up sending him on a year-long loan to West Ham. While there was a
possibility that a deal was put in place to include an end-of-year permanent
deal for a fixed fee, the amount of speculation appears to suggest that
there is no obligation on West Ham's part to complete the signing.

As such, the player's book value has depreciated significantly this season.

Taking into account Carroll having a contract with Liverpool up until the
end of 2015-16 season, and the fact he cost the club £35 million to sign
initially, it has effectively cost the Reds more than £6 million to lend him
to West Ham, due to amortisation occurring during the year.

Come this summer, the remaining book value of Carroll to the Reds in
accounting terms will be £19.1 million, with them having written off £15.9
million of his initial transfer fee so far.

To put this into more stark terms, Carroll has cost the club around £275,000
per competitive Liverpool appearance so far—or £1.45 million per goal.

Financial mismanagement has, for far too long, hindered the club's prospects
of competing on a more regular basis for the biggest trophies and this deal
never looked like it would have a happy ending, despite the potential that
Carroll had as a striker; the initial fee was simply too high. Liverpool
need to sell him permanently to try and clear as much of the remaining debt
on his transfer as possible, and draw a line under this deal.
Keeping him for another season would not add anything to his book value, and
only would increase his transfer value if he had a barnstorming season for
the Reds—unlikely for the reasons as detailed above.

Loaning him out for another campaign would be disastrous for both reasons,
accounting and football.

Liverpool need to invest in their playing squad this summer in a variety of
positions, and it is as yet unclear what kind of net spend will be allowed
for Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds should be able to look into the market this year and acquire a
certain amount of quality which will help them strive for the top-four
places next year, but the real money will come from player sales which could
fetch in as much as £30 or £40 million this summer.
Andy Carroll will doubtless be the most expensive sale if a permanent buyer
can be found and a deal struck which at least benefits the club to a
reasonable amount. That money can then be re-invested into the team, and if
the Reds can recoup around £14 million or so—though they will hope for a
little more—then there are several names who will be within reach for the
same amount or less, yet will bring far more to a Rodgers' team and tactical
plan.

The key for Liverpool this summer is to choose extremely wisely in the
transfer market; quite simply, Rodgers and his team have to get it right in
this window. If they do so, the top four should be within sight by the time
the Easter fixtures roll around in 2014. If not, that particular dream might
be gone even before the busy Christmas period is over and done with.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 6th May 2013

'I know it wasn't in'
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid's miraculous goal-line clearance secured a 0-0 home draw with
Newcastle United on Saturday
05.05.2013

Winston Reid admitted to having mixed feelings about West Ham United's
goalless Barclays Premier League draw with Newcastle United. The No2 ensured
the Hammers' kept their eleventh clean sheet of the campaign by making a
miraculous goal-line clearance to deny Papiss Cisse after 20 minutes. The
defender was adamant the ball did not cross the line, despite some
suggestions otherwise from the visiting fans. At the other end, West Ham's
best chances to break the deadlock came after the break, but they could not
find a way through a determined Newcastle defence led by returning captain
Fabricio Coloccini. "We have been really strong at home this year, but
unfortunately in this game and against Wigan we haven't performed up to our
expectations," said the New Zealand captain. "At least we got a point out of
it because we weren't good in the first half. "In the second half, we were a
little bit better. At the end of the day, I thought we could have done a bit
better, but it was nice to come away with a clean sheet. "I'm not
disappointed with the result because I thought it was a fair result. I was
disappointed with our play, but you have to say Newcastle are a good side
and they came here in the first half and were better than us. The second
half was a lot more even."

When it was suggested Reid had showed a great turn of pace to race back to
hook Cisse's goalbound effort away, the 24-year-old feigned offence at a
perceived lack of speed. His smile soon disappeared, however, when the
serious subject of whether or not the ball had crossed the line was brought
up.
"You make me sound slow! As a defender you are trying to save goals and,
fortunately enough, we came off at the end having not conceded any. "No, it
was not in. I am dead honest and I know it wasn't in. My foot was actually
on the line and I got the ball away in time, which was good."

For the first time since Reid arrived in east London three years ago, West
Ham are finishing a season in a position of relative comfort. While some
footballers may struggle for motivation with their side safely in mid-table,
the Auckland-born star insisted that he and his team-mates were taking every
game 100 per cent seriously in their bid to finish in the top half of the
Barclays Premier League table. "We still want to do well and finish as high
as possible. We want to finish in the top ten - that's been our aim for the
whole season, so we'll be disappointed not to finish there when we've got
ourselves in a really good position."

Next week, Reid will make his second appearance at Everton - a ground where
he suffered last-minute heartache in a 2-2 draw in January 2011, just
seconds after being sent on as a substitute. "Everton is no easy place to go
but we've got to try to go up there and get some points. "These games are
about enjoying it, really. We can go out with no pressure and enjoy it and
try to finish as high as possible. That's why we work so hard each year - to
get out of relegation and look up the table. "Fortunately enough, we have
done that this year and the last couple of games are about enjoying it and
developing our football."

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McDonald on......... Newcastle United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th May 2013
By: Staff Writer No.2

Assistant boss Neil McDonald stands in for Sam Allardyce and shares his
views on this weekend' s 0-0 draw with his home town club Newcastle United
exclusively in full here on kumb.com..

Happy with the point Neil?

I thought Newcastle were the better team in the first half but I thought we
limited them throughout the game to a few chances. Slightly disappointed, I
suppose, in the end that we've created a few chances towards the end in the
second half. But All in all a draw was probably a fair result.

A couple of contentious issues Neil. One of them was the Cisse shot. Did you
think that it was over the line?

We've has a look. It's very very close isn't it? He's made some very good
runs in the first half which caused us a few problems. He's got back past
Jussi but our defender's never given in and they didn't stop and he's got
back to clear it off the line. We were pleased with his reaction when it's
gone past Jussi.
.

Did you think that it had gone over or not?

I didn't think that it had gone over the line.

Did you feel you should have had a penalty in the second half?

Yes of course. Yeah. Though we're more disappointed with the chances that
we've missed. More so than the contentious decisions.

From what you've seen today do you think that Newcastle have enough to stay
up?

When I did the press and media before I said that I thought Newcastle have
got enough already. But everyone is still slightly under pressure anyway
with the Wigan result so everybody needs to do their best to put the points
on the board so they can't be caught. Personally I think they'll be ok.

Why is Sam not here?

No reason. Sometimes he lets me do it. I did pre [match] so I'm doing after
as well. Sorry for being so disappointing for you! [laughter]

That accent Neil - where are you from?

I'm from Wallsend yeah so I'm a Geordie through and through.

So though you won't be pleased with them getting a point, deep down, eh?
[laughter]

The North East needs all its teams in the Premier League and West Ham needs
to be up there as well, which we are. It's a fantastic competition all the
way through. They're big clubs and the Premier League needs big clubs.

How do you keep the players motivated for the rest of the season. I know you
talk about 10th but that's not Europe or relegation?

The most pleasing thing is that, personally, I don't think that we've been
involved in the relegation fight at all. We've always been so many points in
front. We've always had the chance to look up and that breeds confidence in
the players. They've acquitted themselves very very well in the Premiership.
It's not easy, coming through the playoffs and getting promoted being a team
that contributes on a regular basis, We've done that fantastically well.

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Mac backs Big Sam
Published: 05th May 2013
The Sun

SAM ALLARDYCE should be in the running for boss of the year, says his West
Ham No 2. Hammers are looking good for a place in the top 10 after their
draw with Newcastle. And assistant Neil McDonald reckons Big Sam has worked
wonders steering them clear of a relegation scrap in their first season back
in the top flight. He said: "We privately set a target of the top 10 and
broke the season down into small goals. "We have achieved our target so I
don't see why he should not be considered for Manager of the Season. "We
haven't been involved in a relegation fight at all."

McDonald also reckons two Hammers stars, Matt Jarvis and on-loan Andy
Carroll, deserve to be in line for England recalls. He added: "Andy is
enjoying his time in London, playing at West Ham and contributing for the
team. He is scoring goals and making goals for other people. "Matt has been
playing really well, so why shouldn't he get into the England team as well?"

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 5th May 2013

Stalemate at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Newcastle United shared the points in the Barclays
Premier League on Saturday
04.05.2013

West Ham United maintained their position in the top ten of the Barclays
Premier League but were unable to claim all three points from a stubborn
Newcastle United team at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Newcastle had their
6-0 defeat to Liverpool from last weekend fresh in their memories, but they
were considerably tighter on this occasion as neither team were able to
trouble the scorers. Papiss Cisse went closest for the visitors, with a shot
that beat Jussi Jaaskelainen and so nearly crept over the line before
Winston Reid got back to clear. Andy Carroll could not add to his recent
glut of goals against his old side, and Matt Jarvis forced a save from Rob
Elliot, but 0-0 was just about the right scoreline. Joey O'Brien was the
recipient of an early yellow card after he scythed down Steven Taylor in the
left channel, and Hatem Ben Arfa decided to to shoot from goal from the
resulting free-kick, and from an unfavourable angle he whipped the ball over
the top.

With 20 minutes on the clock, Reid did brilliantly to get back in time -
just - and knock the ball off the line after Yohan Cabaye's pass cut out the
Hammers defence and put Cisse in on goal. He slipped the ball past Jussi
Jaaskelainen and surely thought he had put his side in front, only for Reid
to intervene. In truth, the first half offered little in the way in the way
of attacking threat, and although Newcastle enjoyed slightly better of the
play, they were not able to force a breakthrough before the interval. There
was a greater sense of urgency at the start of the second period, and former
Magpie Andy Carroll was not far away with a header from Matt Jarvis' floated
left-wing cross, which drifted just wide. Yohan Cabaye had space for a
25-yard shot at the other end on 49 minutes, but his right-footed effort
swerved away from Jaaskelainen's post and flew off target. The Hammers were
beginning to create the better chances by the hour mark and they had strong
penalty shouts waved away by referee Phil Dowd after Fabricio Coloccini
eased Ricardo Vaz Te away following Jarvis' dangerous cross from the left.

Visiting goalkeeper Rob Elliot then had to make a fine double save to deny
Kevin Nolan from close in following another Jarvis delivery, while the
wideman almost turned goalscorer as West Ham recycled possession in the
aftermath of that chance, with Jarvis' rasping drive needing a touch over
from Elliot.
At the other end, Yoan Gouffran went just as close with 67 minutes played,
beating Jaaskelainen to a channel ball down the left, but looping an effort
across the face of the unguarded goal from a tight angle. Then, with 74
minutes on the clock, sub Shola Ameobi caught a 25-yard shot well but was
off target. Joe Cole's late free kick struck a post but would not have
counted as an offside Carroll challenged Elliot and both teams had to be
content with a solitary point.

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel (Taylor 80), Collins, Reid, O'Brien;
Diame, O'Neil, Nolan; Vaz Te (Collison 59), Carroll, Jarvis (J.Cole 84)
Subs: Henderson (GK), C.Cole, Noble, Pogatetz
Booked: O'Brien
Newcastle United: Elliot; Simpson, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Yanga-M'Biwa; Tiote,
Gutierrez; Ben Arfa (Ameobi 65), Cayabe, Gouffran (Gosling 76); Cisse
Subs: Harper (GK), Williamson, Perch, Anita, Campbell
Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 34,962

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Carroll wins SBOBET player poll
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll has won the April SBOBET Player of the Month poll with 36 per
cent of the vote
04.05.2013

Andy Carroll has been named as the SBOBET Player of the Month for April -
the second month in a row he has claimed the prize. Carroll took 36% of the
vote, six per cent more than goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in second. James
Collins (14%) rounded off the top three. The on-loan Liverpool man notched
two goals in April - the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at the start of the month
and a last minute consolation at Manchester City on April 27. He also made
telling contributions away from goalscoring, providing the assists for Kevin
Nolan in the Boleyn Ground victory over Wigan Athletic and Ricardo Vaz Te in
a thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United. Carroll's fine form stretches
back further than just April, though, with six goals in his last ten games
going in to Saturday's game with former side Newcastle United.

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Macca pleased with clean sheet
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald says Saturday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle
United was fair for both teams
04.05.2013

West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald thought a point apiece was
fair after his side battled out a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United at the
Boleyn Ground on Saturday. West Ham failed to score at home for just the
second time this season, but Newcastle could not breach the hosts' defences
either on an afternoon of few clear-cut chances. The result keeps the
Hammers in the top ten of the Barclays Premier League and former Magpies
right-back McDonald was happy to keep a clean sheet. He told West Ham TV:
"It's a clean sheet in the Premier League, which is vital. I suppose a draw
in the end was probably fair in our opinion. "Newcastle probably had the
better chances in the first half, but we certainly had the better chances in
the second half. "Both teams were unable to get the ball over the line and
it's a nil-nil draw, but it's only the second time we've failed to score at
home, which is pretty good for a newly-promoted team."
Newcastle travelled south having been defeated 3-0 and 6-0 in the previous
two home games, so McDonald was not surprised to see them set up with a more
defensive style at the Boleyn Ground. Talking about his own side's
opportunities, Sam Allardyce's No2 was disappointed to see Kevin Nolan, Matt
Jarvis and Andy Carroll pass up opportunities to break the deadlock. He
continued: "I think Newcastle, with their two previous resilts, were going
to come here and be a little more compact. They certainly did that and they
passed it better than us in the first half and created a couple of chances.
"Second half, I felt we played off the front foot better and created a lot
more chances in open play, as well as from putting them under pressure from
our free-kicks and corners. "We were just unable to breach their defence in
the end, and that's disappointing because we created three or four chances
to win the game. Overall a 0-0 is a fair result."

West Ham thought they may have had a penalty when Ricardo Vaz Te went down
under a Fabricio Coloccini challenge in the second half, while the officials
had to make another big call in the opening period when Winston Reid cleared
Papiss Cisse's shot from off the line. Newcastle claimed a goal, but
McDonald was more interested in the quality of his defender's recovery. He
said: "We were sitting on the bench thinking we might have had a penalty.
Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't, but we're more disappointed
that we haven't scored from the chances we've created at the end. "For them,
Cisse's made some clever runs in the first half which caused us a few
problems. He got in behind, got past Jussi [Jaaskelainen], but defenders
want to keep clean sheets and Winston was in the right place at the right
time to clear the ball off the line."

Next for the Hammers is a trip to another of McDonald's former clubs,
Everton, and he is looking for a three-point haul to help consolidate West
Ham's top-half position, He sxplained: "Everton are a difficult team to
play, especially at home, and they're in good form themselves. We certainly
want to finish as high as we can, we want to improve our scoring record away
from home too. "We want to amass as many points as we can from the two games
left and if we can do that we might finish in the top half. If we can do
that it will have been an absolutely brilliant season. "The players will be
prepared - we know what Everton's strengths and weaknesses are and we'll be
ready."

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'We're a lot better than that'
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence called upon the Development Squad to make amends for defeat at
Southampton
04.05.2013

Jordan Spence vowed to ensure there will be no repeat of the Development
Squad's second-half capitulation at Southampton, one that saw the Saints run
out convincing 5-2 winners. It was all the more galling for centre-half
Spence, who knows as well as anyone that the Hammers back four are a great
deal better than Thursday's showing suggested. Though the lure of the Elite
Group's top three is now gone, the 22-year-old insists he and his teammates
will not be short of motivation for Tuesday's final Barclays Under-21
Premier League fixture at West Bromwich Albion.

He told West Ham TV: "It's disappointing because we've come away getting
beaten in an unattractive manner. We've got one more game and more
importantly, it's about addressing it individually, collectively and making
sure we don't see any performances like that again. "Every game's important.
Everyone in the changing room will want to win and individually everyone
will have their own targets, goals and aspirations. You can't let that
fizzle out in May." Reflecting on Thursday's ill-fated trip to the south
coast, Spence blamed a lack of consistency for what ensued after the
half-time interval. With plenty of senior experience under his belt, the
Woodford-born defender was adamant that such lapses are not to be tolerated
at this level. He continued: "We're in the business of making sure we're
elite players all the time. And the thing about being a top player is
consistency. You don't play at the highest level and you won't play in our
first team without consistently performing. Out of character, yes, but it
can't happen really. "We made a good start to the game, scored a good goal
and even once we conceded the first goal, which was against the run of play,
we did well to get our noses in front again with the penalty. "We didn't see
out the half, which was disappointing. But even with that, I don't think it
was a major, major factor, we still felt we were the dominant force in the
game and sadly errors cost us in the second half. We weren't as productive
in an attacking sense, nor were we as efficient defensively. "Nobody likes
to be on the receiving end of conceding that number of goals. I think anyone
who has seen us play as a back four, [knows] we're a lot better than that
and that's the end of it really."

In the aftermath of a turbulent outing, Spence reckons honesty is the key to
preparing for a trip to the Baggies. That process will already have begun
with the players and staff poring over footage to see how and why Thursday's
game went awry. "It's now about learning. There will be some individual
analysis and we do unit analysis as defenders, midfielders and attackers.
The analysis will be done and then we've got to prepare right for the West
Brom game and prepare right for what's to come until the end of the season.
"We're honest with each other. Nick isn't someone who's going to rant and
rave, he's someone who's interested in our development, all the way through
as players, as individuals and as a team. So, harsh words, but we've got to
be honest. There's no point being in this game if you're not going to be
honest."

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On this day - 5 May
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Crystal Palace shared the points in a six-goal thriller
15 years ago today
05.05.2013

Classic match
Crystal Palace 3-3 West Ham United
Premier League
5 May 1998
West Ham United were en route to an eighth place Premier League finish when
they travelled south of the river to take on Crystal Palace in the
penultimate fixture of the 1997/98 campaign. It proved to be a real thriller
as the sides shared six goals. The Hammers took a fourth minute lead when
Frank Lampard's run towards goal was only ended by a tackle from Sasa
Curcic, which ended up in his own net. But Palace hit back through a Marcus
Bent chip, and then Simon Rodger's first time effort from the edge of the
area put his side 2-1 up. it got even better for the hosts when Attilio
Lombardo finished coolly for 3-1, but the Hammers were not finished and came
roaring back in a rousing finale. Manny Omoyinmi got the comeback going in
the 68th minute, and although David Unsworth was sent off with two minutes
to play, West Ham still managed to level up thanks to Omoyinmi's second.

Complete record - 5 May
2007 West Ham United 3-1 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
2001 West Ham United 3-0 Southampton (Premier League)
1998 Crystal Palace 3-3 West Ham United (Premier League)
1996 West Ham United 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Premier League)
1990 West Ham United 4-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Division Two)
1986 Everton 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1984 West Ham United 0-1 Aston Villa (Division One)
1980 West Ham United 4-1 Charlton Athletic (Division Two)
1979 Blackburn Rovers 1-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1951 West Ham United 0-0 Cardiff City (Division Two)
1934 Notts County 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1928 Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1923 West Ham United 0-1 Notts County (Division Two)
Played 13, Won 5, Drawn 3, Lost 5, Scored 22, Conceded 16

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U18s finish on a high
WHUFC.com
West Ham United completed their Barclays U18 Premier League season with a
2-0 victory at Stoke City
04.05.2013

West Ham United completed their Barclays U18 Premier League season with a
hard-earned 2-0 victory at Stoke City. The Hammers ended the Tier One Stage
campaign with a fourth victory in five outings in the Potteries through
goals either side of half-time from trialist Joe Ward and schoolboy forward
Djair Parfitt-Williams. Academy Director Tony Carr MBE praised his young
squad - Parfitt-Williams was one of five schoolboys to start at Stoke - for
their resilience and clinical finishing at Stoke. "We won 2-0," said Carr.
"We put in a very disciplined performance and defended very well against a
Stoke attack that was very direct and saw a lot of high balls pumped into
our penalty area. It was a good rearguard performance. "We opened the
scoring when Nathan Mavila dispossessed one of their defenders and had a
shot that their goalkeeper parried into the path of Joe Ward, who tapped
home to put us one-nil up at half-time.
"Our second goal came from Djair and was another case of us breaking up
their play and winning the ball back. Djair picked the ball up and ran
through and poked it past the goalkeeper from close range with about ten
minutes remaining. "It was a well-worked victory and fully deserved."

Carr has been pleased with the way the Under-18s have been performing in
recent weeks, praising the youngsters for tightening things up at the back.
West Ham have conceded just eight goals in their final seven league matches
to finish third in the Tier One table, having been bottom of the pile at one
stage. "We were talking on the coach on the way back from Stoke about how we
had played well in most of our matches, but that we had been conceding
sloppy goals that had put us on the back foot. "We have worked on it and
have been a lot more secure in recent weeks, which has enabled us to record
some good results.
"We have now got two friendly matches to finish the season against Tottenham
Hotspur and Southampton, where we will blood the Under-17s and the
schoolboys to prepare them for next season."

The Tottenham fixture will be away from home next Saturday, but West Ham
fans will be welcome to come down to Little Heath on Saturday 18 May for the
11.30am home kick-off against the highly-rated Saints.

West Ham United U18s: Nemrava, Knoyle, Onariase, Harney, Burke, Page, Miles
(Girdlestone), Makasi, Parfitt-Williams, Mavila, Ward (Boakye-Yiadom)

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West Ham 0 Newcastle 0
4 May 2013
Last updated at 17:52
By Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport

Newcastle's Premier League status remains in the balance after they shared a
goalless draw with West Ham. The Hammers put Alan Pardew's side under
pressure in the second half but Papiss Cisse came closest to scoring when
his first-half shot was cleared off the line by Winston Reid. Replays were
inconclusive but Rob Elliot made a double save to deny Kevin Nolan, while
Andy Carroll headed wide. Newcastle are three points above third-bottom
Wigan after they beat West Brom. Their position is made more worrying
because the Latics have a game in hand and a better goal difference, but the
clean sheet was a vast improvement on last weekend's 6-0 loss to Liverpool.
It was clear that the visitors arrived at Upton Park aiming to be more solid
after that shattering defeat and the return of Fabricio Coloccini in the
heart of their defence after injury was a welcome boost. Now they must turn
their attentions to their next match against relegated QPR, but the fact
that their hopes are not entirely in their control underline the side's
worrying loss of form. Newcastle are also one point clear of arch rivals
Sunderland, who also have a game extra, and in some senses this was an
opportunity missed as West Ham, promoted from the Championship last season,
are relatively comfortable in mid-table and remain 10th in the Premier
League.

The Magpies have lost four and drawn one of their five Premier League away
trips to London this season. Newcastle failed to score for the fourth time
in their last six Premier League matches. They netted only two overall in
the other two games. But after an improvement from Sam Allardyce's side in
the second half, Newcastle will be satisfied with a point as they held on,
particularly after a testing week where Pardew denied a reported player rift
in the camp. Before the break, Hatem Ben Arfa was at the centre of West
Ham's problems as his powerful running cut through the hosts's midfield on
several occasions. The French forward, back in the side instead of Moussa
Sissoko, twice tested Jussi Jaaskelainen, but the first period came alive
when Cisse's attempts to open the scoring were denied by Reid. Yohan Cabaye
slipped the ball through to the Senegalese forward and as his scuffed effort
looked to be dribbling into the goal, Reid slid in to clear. Assistant
referee Matthew Wilkes decided the ball did not cross the line and replays
suggested it might have been the right call. Wilkes was also the official
who ruled Wigan's Callum McManaman did not foul Newcastle's Massado Haidara
despite a crude challenge earlier in the season.

West Ham did not impose themselves on the game until after the break and as
has often been the case this season, Matt Jarvis was the source. His
inviting cross after 48 minutes was headed wide by Carroll at the back post.
Ricardo Vaz Te then failed to connect with another centre minutes later
after being pushed by Coloccini. That instigated a better spell for
Allardyce's side, who almost went in front again, but Elliot's superb double
save denied Nolan, while Carroll had another penalty appeal turned away by
referee Phil Dowd. Ben Arfa was replaced by Shola Ameobi and the substitute
centre-forward fired wide after Yoan Gouffran went close with another
effort, but as West Ham grew in confidence, the draw was well-earned and it
might yet be an important point for Newcastle.

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Ravel set for second loan spell?
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 4th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

Ravel Morrison could be set for a second year out on loan, according to West
Ham's assistant manager Neil McDonald. Speaking ahead of today's Premier
League with Newcastle, McDonald confirmed that a second season on loan -
possibly with Morrison's current club, Birmingham City - was a possibility
for the former Manchester United starlet. "One of the reasons we sent him to
Birmingham was to try and get that consistent time on the field. He would
have had a battle on to get into the team here," explained Sam Allardyce's
number two. "He has gone to Birmingham, got in the team and played well
consistently which is great. "I saw comments from Lee Clark that he might
possibly want to take him on loan again next year to give him some more
experience. That would be great and it is a decision that the manager has to
make. "Do we bring him back because he's had a good a year's football in
him, or do we leave him there for another year to see if he will develop
even more? We'll decide that in the summer."

Morrison joined West Ham in January 2012 having been let go by Manchester
United after Red Devils boss Alex Ferguson reportedly lost his patience with
the player, whose short career has thus far been dogged by controversy.
Since moving to London, there have been further rumours of bust-ups between
Morrison, club captain Kevin Nolan and McDonald himself. The 20-year-old has
thus far made just one substitute appearance - lasting nine minutes - for
the Hammers.

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Newcastle earn goalless draw at West Ham
Last Updated: May 4, 2013 9:51pm
SSN

Newcastle picked up a hard-fought point after a goalless draw at West Ham
but remain in relegation peril. Chances were few and far between as
Newcastle secured what could yet prove crucial reward - but wins for Wigan
and Aston Villa keep them looking over their shoulder.

Best of the game

Man of the match: Winston Reid - The West Ham defender celebrated his new
contract with a commanding performance at the back

Save of the match: Reid was alert to get back to clear Papiss Cisse's
goalbound shot off the line in the first half in what was the best chance of
the game.

Controversy of the match: Replays were inconclusive as to whether or not
Cisse's shot had crossed the line before Reid's intervention.

Moment of the match: In a game devoid of chances Elliot made a vital double
save to deny former Newcastle man Kevin Nolan midway through the second
half.

Talking point: How big a miss has Fabricio Coloccini been at the back for
Newcastle? Should West Ham do all they can to sign Andy Carroll on a
permanent basis?

The closest either side came to scoring was when Papiss Cisse saw his
first-half effort cleared off the line by Winston Reid. Newcastle welcomed
back captain Fabricio Coloccini to the side after being out of action since
February with a back problem and his presence helped organise their
defensive line after conceding six last time out against Liverpool. Hatem
Ben Arfa, who was recalled to the starting line-up, tried his luck with a
free-kick wide on the right on ten minutes with his dipping effort landing
on the top of Jussi Jaaskelainen's net. Newcastle went so close to breaking
the deadlock on 20 minutes when Yohan Cabaye played Cisse in on goal and his
scuffed shot was cleared off the line by Reid with Newcastle players
appealing that the ball had crossed the line before the West Ham defender's
intervention. Ben Arfa was looking the man most likely to score and he had a
chance on 25 minutes when he ran from halfway line into West Ham's penalty
area only for his final shot to lack the power to trouble Jaaskelainen.

Andy Carroll was starved of service against his former club as West Ham
failed to offer any real threat in the final third. The game livened up a
bit in the second half and Carroll had a chance four minutes after the break
when he got on the end of Matt Jarvis' cross at the far post, but he could
only head his effort wide of the target. Carroll had another sight of goal
on 57 minutes when Mohamed Diame picked him out inside the box, but under
pressure the striker sent his header over the crossbar.

The home side had claims for a penalty waved away on 65 minutes when Carroll
went down in the box after a tangle with Danny Simpson before the ball
dropped to Jarvis who picked out Kevin Nolan at the far post only to see his
close-range effort kept out by Rob Elliot and then his follow-up also
blocked by the Newcastle keeper. Newcastle went close to scoring three
minutes later when Yoan Gouffran beat Jaaskelainen to a long ball over the
top to go round the keeper, but his touch took him too wide and he could
only loft his shot wide of the gaping goal. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew felt
his side's battling goalless draw at West Ham proved there is no rift in the
camp at St James' Park.

"It was a very important performance because there was a lot of myths and
reporting that was unfair on us and we had to show that wasn't the case and
that we were a strong team and have got spirit in the group," noted Pardew.
West Ham first-team coach Neil McDonald felt the officials got it right in
not awarding Papiss Cisse a goal during the 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
McDonald said: "If most of the ball is over the line it has to be all of it,
but we thought from replays we saw it was not over the line

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West Ham coach Neil McDonald praised officials after draw with Newcastle
Last Updated: May 4, 2013 11:08pm
SSN

West Ham first-team coach Neil McDonald felt the officials got it right in
not awarding Papiss Cisse a goal during the 0-0 draw with Newcastle. The
closest either side came to scoring in the stalemate at Upton Park was when
Cisse's first-half effort was cleared off the line by Winston Reid with
Newcastle players and management staff feeling the ball had crossed the line
before the defender's intervention. McDonald hailed Reid for reacting to the
chance and clearing what would have been a certain goal for Newcastle. "If
most of the ball is over the line it has to be all of it, but we thought
from replays we saw it was not over the line," McDonald told Sky Sports.
"Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't and I suppose Newcastle will be
disappointed but we are pleased Winston Reid got back to clear the ball off
the line and help keep a clean sheet." McDonald admitted West Ham were
disappointed not to take all three points after dominating the majority of
the second half. He added: "We are slightly disappointed we didn't score the
first goal as I think it was always going to be a very, very tight game
especially after the last two results Newcastle have had and they kept it
nice and tight together and played dome decent football. "We limited them to
chances all the way through the game and we have come on strong towards the
end and maybe could have nicked it late on. "We hit the post and had a
couple of other chances so we are slightly disappointed we didn't win the
game."

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Mapies robbed! Newcastle boss insists Papiss Cisse should have been awarded
penalty in goalless draw with West Ham
4 May 2013 22:29
The Mirror

Alan Pardew insists Papiss Cisse should have been awarded a vital goal that
would have given Newcastle a massive survival boost. A goalless draw at
West Ham and a win for Wigan means Newcastle face a continued battle against
relegation at the foot of the table. But it could have been very ­different
if assistant referee ­Matthew Wilkes had ruled that Cisse's first-half
effort had crossed the line before Winston Reid hacked clear. Making the
decision all the more difficult to take was the fact Wilkes had been
involved in the ­controversial incident that saw Wigan's Callum ­McManaman
get away with an ­appalling challenge on Massadio Haidara earlier in the
season. "We scored a legitimate goal," said Newcastle boss Pardew. "I
thought it was in, at the time, and I also saw the linesman slip over. "I
asked the linesman at ­half-time how he saw it when he slipped over, but he
said not all of the ball had crossed the line. I haven't seen a replay yet."

When it was put to Pardew (above) that goal-line technology will settle such
debates next ­season, he replied: "Thanks for reminding me. That's no
­consolation to me at the moment." Newcastle now just have QPR and Arsenal
to play – and desperately need victories. "It was a great win today for
Wigan," said Pardew. "But they are not the only other club in a fight –
there are a lot of others as well." Despite only gaining a point at Upton
Park, Pardew insisted he was pleased with his side's ­performance and how
they ­responded to the thrashing against Liverpool. "We played well in the
first half," added Pardew. "And, although we faded in the second, we rolled
our sleeves up and dispelled some of the myths out there about us. "Having
Fabricio Coloccini back was a big thing for us – it helped our goalkeeper
Rob Elliot as well. "After letting in six against ­Liverpool, Elliot showed
a lot of character to produce a really good performance and that will be
great for his confidence." Other than Cisse's effort that wasn't awarded,
Newcastle went close when Yoan Gouffran failed to find an empty net from a
tight angle in the second half. "It was not an easy chance," said Pardew.
"He did well to beat the keeper to the ball, but it was a very tight angle.
The players certainly deserved their point." West Ham assistant manager Neil
McDonald claimed Cisse's shot had not crossed the line, ­saying: "I didn't
think it went over the line. And I thought a draw was about a fair result."

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Tall order: West Ham prepare move for Peter Crouch while Stoke turn to
Nicklas Bendtner
4 May 2013 23:00
The Mirror

Peter Crouch is being lined up for a move to West Ham, writes the Sunday
People. And Stoke City have already started to plan for life without the big
striker – by plotting a surprise swoop for Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner.
Crouch, 32, moved to Stoke from Tottenham for £10million in 2011 and has hit
21 goals for the Potters since then. This season has been a ­frustrating one
though, as he scored just twice since September, and the Hammers are ready
to offer him a move back to London. The former QPR and Spurs striker is keen
to head south again and believes a switch to Upton Park is the perfect
option. West Ham are still trying to seal a deal for Liverpool's Andy
Carroll, but have spent the past month looking at other options.Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce believes the former England hitman would bring vital
experience to his side.

Crouch's exit will leave a hole in the Stoke squad though and Arsenal
outcast Bendtner, 25, is being eyed by Potters boss Tony Pulis. The Danish
international has suffered a tough season on loan at Juventus, and Arsene
Wenger has no plans to give him another chance at the Emirates. The Gunners
hierarchy wants to offload him as soon as possible, and Crouch's departure
would help Stoke meet Bendtner's £60,000-a-week wages. West Ham are also
leading the race to sign Birmingham teenager Nathan Redmond. Allardyce has
kept close tabs on the 19-year-old winger and is planning a summer move. The
cash-strapped Blues have slapped a £10m price tag on the former England
Under-20 ace, who is under contract at St Andrew's for another year.
Meanwhile, Tony Pulis wants to stay as Stoke manager.

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